Citrus Crumble Bars

These Citrus Crumble Bars are a delightful combination of buttery, crumbly dough and a tangy, sweet citrus filling made from lemons and oranges. Perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, these bars are a refreshing treat for any occasion. Whether served with tea or as a dessert, their vibrant flavor and crumbly texture are sure to impress.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 280 g (2 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 2 g (1/2 tsp) baking powder
  • 0.5 g (pinch) salt
  • 60 g (1/4 cup) sugar
  • 10 g (1 tbsp) vanilla sugar
  • 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) sour cream (20–25% fat)
  • 150 g (10 1/2 tbsp) cold butter (82% fat), diced

For the Filling:

  • 300 g (10.5 oz) peeled lemons (approximately 2–3 lemons)
  • 150 g (5.3 oz) orange without peel (approximately 1 medium orange)
  • 30 g (2 1/2 tbsp) starch (cornstarch or any starch)
  • 150 g (3/4 cup) sugar

Directions

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
    • Line a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) baking dish with non-stick baking paper.
  2. Make the Dough:
    • In a bowl, combine sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
    • In another bowl, mix sour cream, sugar, and vanilla sugar until well combined.
    • Add cold diced butter to the flour mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into a fine crumb texture.
    • Pour in the sour cream mixture and quickly knead into a dough. Avoid overmixing.
    • Divide the dough into two parts: 2/3 for the base and 1/3 for the topping.
    • Press the larger portion into the prepared baking dish, forming a small edge about 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) high. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
    • Wrap the smaller portion in plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and freeze for 1 hour.
  3. Prepare the Citrus Filling:
    • Remove the zest from the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith. Peel the lemons, remove seeds, and separate the flesh from the membranes.
    • Peel the orange, remove seeds, and cut into segments.
    • Combine the lemon zest, lemon flesh, and orange segments in a blender. Blend to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
    • Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and stir in the starch and sugar.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  4. Assemble the Bars:
    • Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
    • Spread the cooled citrus filling evenly over the chilled dough base.
    • Grate the frozen dough evenly over the top of the filling.
  5. Bake the Bars:
    • Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
    • Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish.
  6. Finish and Serve:
    • Once cooled, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as a dessert with tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • These bars make a perfect gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.

Cooking Tips

  • Use very cold butter to achieve a crumbly dough texture.
  • If you prefer a more tart filling, reduce the sugar slightly.
  • Ensure the citrus filling is completely cool before spreading it on the dough base to prevent it from softening the crust.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Lemons and oranges are rich in vitamin C, supporting immune health.
  • The sour cream in the dough adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian
  • Contains gluten and dairy

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 12 Bars)

  • Calories: 230
  • Protein: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g

Storage

  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The vibrant citrus filling is refreshing and perfectly balances the buttery crust.
  • It’s a versatile treat that works for casual afternoons or elegant occasions.
  • Simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that feels gourmet.
  • The combination of textures—crumbly crust, creamy filling, and crispy topping—is irresistible.

Conclusion
These Citrus Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that’s both easy to make and stunning to serve. The tart and sweet citrus filling combined with a buttery, flaky crust makes for a treat that’s perfect any time of year. Whether for a gathering or just an indulgent snack, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give them a try—you’ll love every bite!